Tama residents and others in the area may be able to end their home lead paint-related danger

Tama City Council

December 21, 2012

Low-income home owners and renters in Tama could now be eligible to have their properties checked for lead poisoning danger and have problems corrected. The Tama City Council approved entering a joint agreement (28E) with the City of Marshalltown. Council members Kenny McAdoo, Robert Tyynismaa and Mike Carnahan voted in favor. Members Steve Baier and Crystal Kaufman were absent.

Council members are seeking assurance participation in the program does not have costs directly to the City of Tama. They directed City Clerk Judy Welch to verify the program will not result in financial responsibilities to Tama.

The Tama county Board of Supervisors already is a program participant it was noted.

According to information provided to the Tama Council by Joyce Brown, the Lead Grant Program manager, Marshalltown received a U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant totaling $2,480,000 to administer the program in Tama, Marshall and Hardin counties.

She wrote, "The basic goal of the program is to provide lead safe housing for low-income households with children under the age of six years old."

A 12-step process in the program starts with an application being made by a property owner.

Fact Box

News-Herald ? It Out:

WHAT:?Residential lead hazard control program for low income family homes

More information, to apply:

Tama City Clerk's Office

Tama Civic Center

305 Siegel

641-484-3822

Properties are eligible for up to $19,999 to cure an existing problem. A five-year lien against the property is then made in the form of a forgivable loan.

Brown said a goal of upgrading a total of 125 homes in the three-county area has been set.

Prior to the city council approval, four applications had already been made in Tama.

declined to add additional city street lighting on Business route 30 near the entrance to the Lincoln Highway Bridge Inn and Venture Lanes. Motel owner Vlaznim Arifi had asked the council two weeks ago to consider more city lighting. Mayor Dan Zimmerman said Monday night he believed lighting in the area "was the best in the city." Council members and Zimmerman said Arifi could add a spotlight to the existing city pole at his own cost. They said he did this at the nearby King tower Cafe which he also operates.

approved payment for meals totaling $1,173 and clothing costing $239 for Tama Police Officer Barnette Curry associated with his attendance at the Iowa Law Enforcement academy beginning on Jan. 14. The tuition cost of $5,000 will also be paid by the city when courses begin. Tama police officers who attend the academy sign agreements to continue working for Tama for a specified length of time if the city picks up the cost. They are billed a pro-rated amount if the officers do not fulfill their obligation to the city according to City Clerk Welch.